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Monday, March 19, 2012

Vancouver’s strong fashion boutique culture appears to have convinced
the world’s biggest outlet mall developer to make its first foray into
North America — via YVR.

The Vancouver Airport Authority confirmed
Tuesday that it is in talks with London-based developer McArthurGlen to
bring a premium outlet centre to Vancouver International Airport land
slated for commercial development.

While talks are in the
preliminary stages, airport spokeswoman Rebecca Catley, the site of the
proposed Sea Island outlet mall would be next to the B.C. Institute of
Technology campus on Russ Baker Way.

Catley said the airport
authority is “very optimistic” about the project, which would bring jobs
and other benefits to the region.

The plan has yet to be approved by the airport authority board of directors, but is reportedly expected to be finalized by June.

“We’re
hoping to make an announcement as soon as we know we’re moving ahead,”
Catley said, “and perhaps generate a little cross-border shopping in the
other direction for the future.”

In January, the airport
authority announced YVR would undergo a $1.8-billion expansion to lessen
connection times and introduce high-speed baggage systems and
additional moving walkways.

Jamal Abdourahman, the founder and
producer for Vancouver Fashion Week, said Vancouver is ripe for a
high-end outlet mall similar to what Canadians seek in the United
States.

“So many people here go south of the border, just for the
outlet malls,” said Abdourahman, 39. “As long as it’s high-end and good
quality brands, I think it’s a good development,” he said.

Abdourahman
believes Vancouver’s “independent, local boutiques” which bring
“individuality to the city,” can coexist with labels such as Dolce &
Gabbana and Prada that would be slated to take a foothold in the
potential new outlet centre.